Why Do We Need to Sleep?
We all know that sleep is good for many obvious reasons: it makes us more creative, less likely to get sick, and reduces stress. It…
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Andrew McMaster
Articles by Andrew McMaster
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The Relationship Between Metabolism and Sleep
Our sleep and our metabolism are intimately intertwined. Like all major processes of physical homeostasis, sleep plays an important role in the body’s ability to…
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Nightmare Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments
We’ve all had nightmares—vivid dreams that cause feelings of fear, anxiety or severe distress. Learn about treatments—symptoms of nightmare disorder.
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What Are Nocturnal Emissions? (AKA Wet Dreams)
Nocturnal emissions are known as wet dreams. Rooted in a wider event known as a nocturnal orgasm (reaching a sexual climax during sleep)
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Sleep Paralysis: Definition, Causes, Treatments
What Is Sleep Paralysis? Throughout the ages, sleep paralysis has been attributed to the likes of demons, aliens and even the devil himself. Before the…
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Lucid Dreaming: Fact or Fiction
Imagine lucid dreaming (LD) a bit like this: You walk up to the edge of a cliff. Wind blows through your hair and ruffles your…
Night Terrors: Breaking Down Symptoms and Management
Witnessing a loved one experience night terrors can be a traumatic experience. Characterized by screaming, crying, thrashing, and other reactions to intense fear, night terrors…
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Sleep-Wake Homeostasis
At the start of a new day, we are full of pep—alert, focused and full of energy. As the morning marches on, this gives way…
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Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Snoring
Have you ever slept in the same room with a big snorer and thought, “how is it physically possible that such a loud noise can…
Sleep Anxiety: What It Is and How to Cope
For many folks, crawling under the covers after a long day is among one of life’s great pleasures. Bedtime is seen as a sweet release…
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What Are Parasomnias?
You’ve probably heard of insomnia, and you’re likely familiar with the concept of the paranormal. But what, exactly, is a parasomnia? Some strange combination of…
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The Power Nap: Myth or Science
What’s a power nap? We’ll start by painting you a picture. It’s 3 pm in the afternoon. You’re at work and starting to feel that…
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Sleep Apnea: The 3 Types Explained
Sleep apnea (OSA) is a relatively common sleep disorder that affects sleepers’ airways and breathing during the night. It is well known for producing loud,…
Sleepwalking: What Causes it and Why We Do It
Sleepwalking is undoubtedly one of the stranger sleep disorders known to mankind. Also called somnambulism, sleepwalking is probably most recognized as a crutch used by…
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Depression and How it Affects Your Sleep
Depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions in the U.S. In 2017, the National Institute of Health reported that over 7%…
How Does Sleep Affect Your Immune System?
There are many reasons why we sleep. It allows us to grow, to repair, and to recharge, among many other functions. But one underrated aspect…
Anxiety: Guide and Tips for Better Sleep
Anxiety has an especially insidious relationship to sleep. Sleeplessness, caused by symptoms of anxiety, will inevitably lead to more trouble falling asleep. The two feed…
Caffeine Effects and Sleep Problems
For many of us, coffee is an extremely important part of our daily ritual. It helps to wake us up, get us in gear, and…
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Narcolepsy – Definition, Symptoms, and Treatment
Narcolepsy is a neurological sleep disorder that causes extreme daytime drowsiness, despite a sufficient amount of sleep. It is commonly known for the symptom in…
Your Sleep Guide to Dreaming
There isn’t a more mysterious, more hotly debated, or more baffling activity of the human brain. For as long as we have been sleeping, we…
Insomnia: Definition, Causes, and Symptoms
About Insomnia Most of us have experienced the frustration of a sleepless night. Whether it’s tossing and turning, lying still with racing thoughts, or burying…
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Sleep Needs As We Age
In the United States, the average adult will have spent over 36 years sleeping by the end of their life. That’s more than one-third of…
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What Is Sleep Deprivation?
Sleep deprivation is the term for when you are not getting the amount of sleep that your body needs. We’ve all experienced it in mild…
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Creativity and Sleep
Maybe you’ve woken up in the middle of the night with a sudden solution to a problem that’s been plaguing you for a while. Maybe…
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Are Naps Good For You?
All About Napping There’s nothing quite like giving in to your heavy eyelids and drifting off to sleep in the middle of the afternoon. Even…
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What Is the Circadian System?
When you awake at dawn or grow sleepy in the evening, more is at work than a lifetime of habit. Underpinning our bodies’ and our…
The Stages of Sleep and Sleep Cycles
You’ve probably heard the term “sleep cycles” or “Stages of Sleep” before. Maybe you’re familiar with the terms “REM” and “deep-sleep.” You’re probably also aware…
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How Marijuana Affects Your Sleep
We’re all familiar with the stereotypical “stoner,” that heavy user of marijuana who is more often than not hungry, spaced-out, and…sleepy? But does marijuana affect…
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All About Restless Legs Syndrome
Although it is one of the most common sleep disorders (affecting nearly 3 million Americans, according to the Mayo Clinic) Restless Legs Syndrome is also…
